Here are some of the week’s most notable quotes culled from news reports from across Texas, and beyond.
Sen. Ted Cruz during a presidential candidate forum in Iowa on Thursday, referring to the backlash against so-called religious freedom bills.
Look at the jihad that is being waged right now in Indiana and Arkansas, going after people of faith who respect the biblical teaching that marriage is the union of one man and one woman.
—————————————
Rep. Jessica Farrar, D-Houston, in a committee hearing on HB 3130, which would prohibit insurance policies obtained through the health benefit exchange from covering abortions.
I don’t see the purpose of the bill, and I understand that you have a philosophical purpose, but I’m just being pragmatic. No one anticipates having to have an abortion. […] Unsuspecting women are not going to know to get that extra policy.
—————————————
An excerpt from a petition posted on Change.org asking UNT administrators to find a new commencement speaker, after Gov. Greg Abbott was announced as the Class of 2015 speaker.
The University of North Texas’ student body is made up of students from all walks of life. Therefore, it is pivotal that our keynote speaker be someone who reflects not only our student population but our views on equality and representation. Governor Abbott is an advocate for immigration reform, border patrol, and anti-equal marriage laws. This does not align the spirit of the University of North Texas which prides itself in providing equal opportunities for their students.
—————————————
Bill Hammond, CEO of the Texas Association of Business, referring to Sen. Donna Campbell’s proposed Indiana-style “religious freedom” bill.
What’s being proposed by Senator Campbell in our opinion would reap the whirlwind because it’s fairly close to what happened in Indiana and you can see what’s happening there. People would second guess whether they want to move to Texas. It would be harder to get talent here.
—————————————
Suzie Bell, member of First United Methodist of Eureka in Arkansas, on the church being specifically asked not to participate in the town’s Easter parade. The church is a ‘reconciling congregation,’ meaning they welcome LGBTQ members.
They wanted to know what our banner was going to say, and it said ‘Jesus loves all.’ They had decided that they did not want us in the parade, and that we weren’t welcome.
I was particularly taken by Senator Cruz’s remarks concerning the biblical directive regarding one man and one woman. I got to wondering whether he actually owns a copy of the book. My comments are at the following link:
https://skeptic78240.wordpress.com/2015/04/11/candidates-acting-stupidly-2/